(04/28/1944) Grady McMurtry to Aleister Crowley

1475th Ord MM Co (Avn) (Q)
APO 149, U.S. Army
28 April 1944

Dear A. C.,

Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law.

Am taking time out to answer some of your correspondence. On looking about I find six letters, including the two large selections, “The Three Schools of Magick” arrived just the other day. Perhaps I had best point out that my address is now APO 149, which is perhaps why it was so long in getting here. Will get on to the letters as soon as at all possible. Also the 1000 word treatise. Seems I must have erred in my diatribes somewhere. The world is most definitely not ready for any such thing as a Technocracy. I tried to be at pains to point out that only the north American continent was. But that will be come clear when I have finished my little pamphlet.

Told you I believe when I was there that I had written Jack. Have no idea how long it will be before he replies.

You say that my plan is all right but that it needs a very thing edge. That should be simple enough. Just run through and check the main points and you have it – I should think. Unfortunately I seem to have misplaced my copy or I would illustrate. Well, for instance, where the administrative branch is concerned – so start with only the Executive and one secretary – later we branch out to fill in the other functions as the project goes rolling. Such a small staff could obviously handle only a select part of the necessary preparatory work – so they would have to concentrate on particular subjects – marshal their data on certain eye-catching, easy-to-prove facts – such as the fact that “this man Crowley has actually never been convicted by an English court”, etc. Once that thin edge is inserted the rest should come in sequence. The additional personnel attracted by this news, the additional facilities available. That is the way I see it, anyway. Incidentally, I still don’t know how we can prove that you started the V campaign.

I don’t blame you for taking a whack at me for my obstinate attitude but here, I’ll quote from your letter of the 9th – “try to understand my objections made with intent to learn, not to attack; and be ready with answers, not declamations!” That is just the trouble! I’ve always been ready with answers – brimming over with them – but You just ignored the subject and wouldn’t ask questions – so I sez to myself sez I – “look McMurtry, maybe if you use a sledge hammer you will jar some kind of a reaction out of him”. Well, there was a reaction, anyway. As long as I am learning I am thankful that I have a teacher who may slap me down with one hand but lift me up with the other. Must close now.

Love is the law, love under will

{signed} H.’.A.’. 777

93 93/93

{in hand – “Incl.” and the names of two or three poems that cannot be made out clearly)

Note: Originally published in Thelema Lodge Calendar, July 2001.

(04/28/1944) Grady McMurtry to Aleister Crowley

Note: Thank you to William Heidrick for making this image available.